Review of Foster's Leash by Sarah Summer

Fostering animals isn't easy. Suddenly, you're living with a strange dog that needs your help. And once you’ve finally bonded, it’s time to say goodbye. But hard things are worth doing, especially when they change lives. Follow along to see rescue dog Pepper and her foster family navigate the foster process, the feelings that come with it, and how one leash makes all the difference.

Buy the Book Links: 

MASCOT BOOKS: https://mascotbooks.com/product/fosters-leash/

AMAZON: https://amzn.to/4h7HUrg

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fosters-leash-sarah-sommer/1146690494?ean=9798891381728

BOOKSHOP.ORG: https://bookshop.org/p/books/foster-s-leash-sarah-sommer/22109492?ean=9798891381728

BAM: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Fosters-Leash/Sarah-Sommer/9798891381728?id=9373391074894

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222318853-foster-s-leash

Author Website: https://sarahsommer.com/

MY REVIEW

5 Star

Fosters Leash is a well-written and illustrated book about fostering a pet and the sadness of letting them go to their forever home.

The brightly colored illustrations will catch children's eyes, and the written text will evoke emotions as the pages are read. Children will learn that fostering a pet involves compassion, strength, and courage to do the right thing for the pet.

The summary in the back of the book explains the reality of fostering so that the parent and child can discuss opportunities in their community and whether or not to become involved.  

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

$100 Target Gift Card courtesy of the author of FOSTER’S LEASH (ends Apr 28)

Review of When the Sky Burned Blog Tour by Liz Tolma

 

About the Book

 

Book: When the Sky Burned (A Day to Remember Book 6)

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release date: March 1, 2025

A Tornado of Fire and Embezzlement Sweep through a Community  

Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Promising painter Mariah Randolph longs to have her canvases displayed in the world’s best museums, and Hollis Stanford, the heir of a railroad tycoon, is her ticket to success. The railroad’s bookkeeper, Jay Franklin, discovers discrepancies and is convinced that Hollis is stealing from the company. But any proof of his dirty dealings go up in smoke when fire utterly destroys the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, October 8, 1871.

The fire leaves Mariah blind, but Jay befriends her and even helps her to start painting again. But a trip to Chicago to return Hollis’s daughter to him could put both Mariah and Jay in more danger than even the fire that devastated the town and their lives.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

5 Star

When the Sky Burned is one of the best historical fiction stories I've read this year. The vivid descriptions of the fire's devastation and people's loss captured my attention. I couldn't stop reading and was amazed as each circumstance brought betrayal, secrets, and lots of unexpected action with a twist as I waited to see what would come next.

The author has woven historical details along with a heart-wrenching yet inspirational story. The characters are so well-fleshed out, stripped down to their flaws and strengths, that I couldn't help rooting for them. Young Angelina's plight brought tears to my eyes. Despite their losses, the main character's faith shines through, filling them with hope.

The ending wrapped everything up nicely. I highly recommend you read this one.

The author provided me with a complimentary copy; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

 

 

 

More from Liz

I stared at my computer screen in front of me. For years, I had been searching for my great-grandmother, Anna. I got no good information. Census records in the US weren’t helpful. Some listed her birthplace as Czechoslovakia, while others had it as Austria. I had heard before that she might have been born in Czechoslovakia before, but never Austria. There were no records that I had come across that listed the city or town where she was born.

Until that one day. While searching for my great-grandmother, I ran across a passport application recorded in Warsaw, Poland, for an Anna with the same last name, though spelled differently. Her birthday was listed as 1903, which matched the birth year I knew for my great-grandmother’s niece. As I read through the application, my heart was pounding. This Anna was born in the United States but went to Dubne, Poland, with her family in 1906. It was now 1923, and she wanted to return to the US, and she would be living with…

I started to cry when I saw who her sponsor was. My great-grandfather. The name and address were correct. There could be no doubt about it. It had taken me years, but I finally made the jump to Europe and discovered that my great-grandmother was not born in Czechoslovakia but in what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire and is now Poland.

Of course, good little researcher that I am, I had to find out all I could about Dubne, the town they were from. That’s when I first came across the term Lemko. What on earth was that?

Lemkos are a Slavic people that settled in the Carpathian Mountains of Southern Poland, Northern Slovakia, and Western Ukraine. They are also known as Lemko Rusyns, Rusyns (especially those born in Slovakia, like my great-grandfather), and Carptho-Rusyns. The mountains kept the world at bay, and they developed their own language, customs, and form of Christianity. For the most part, they were very poor, many of them eking out a living from the rocky ground.

They lived in “black houses,” called that because the poorest people couldn’t afford to have a chimney built. The smoke from the cooking and heating fires stayed inside the house and covered the walls with black tar. If you look at the cemetery records from Dubne, you would be old if you lived into your fifties. Conditions were brutal.

The most the average Lemko could afford was one sheep or one pig. Since this was their most prized possession, they couldn’t take the chance of a wild animal or a neighbor taking it away, so it lived in the house with them.

With all of them. Up to eleven people would live in a two-room house. When I mentioned that in What I Left for You, my editor questioned if I had made a mistake. No, I didn’t. I have no idea how they fit all those people in there, but they did. As I was tracking one branch of our family tree, I kept coming up with people living in house 43. Over and over and over. They stuffed that house full. Grandparents, parents, and children all lived together. They may not have had much, but that forged the Lemkos into strong and resilient people.

I’m proud to be Lemko-Rusyn, and I’m thrilled to share this story with you. I infused Helena, the historical heroine, with as much of the Lemko spunk and spirit as I could. Last October, my daughter and I had the privilege to travel to Poland and Slovakia and see the Lemko homeland for ourselves. It helped me to write a better, richer story because I now understand where they came from and who they were. Enjoy Helena’s story and her journey during WWII and beyond. I hope you come to understand and appreciate the Lemko people as much as I have.

                  Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 28

Pens Pages & Pulses, March 28

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 29

Simple Harvest Reads, March 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, March 30

Betti Mace, March 31

Lily’s Corner, March 31

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 1

Devoted Steps, April 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 3

Blogging with Carol, April 4

Connie’s History Classroom, April 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 5

For Him and My Family, April 5

Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 6

Bizwings Book Blog, April 7

Cover Lover Book Review, April 7

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, April 8

Jodie Wolfe, April 8

Holly’s Book Corner, April 9

Pause for Tales, April 9

                   Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54187

Review of Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose by Demi-Leigh Tebow

 

Anti-trafficking advocate and former Miss Universe and Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Tebow encourages young readers to find their purpose and help others in need in her first children’s book about a princess who loses her crown, starring Demi’s real-life dog Paris the dalmatian.

When her crown is stolen, Princess Paris fears she’ll never get it back. How can she represent her king without her crown? She doesn’t feel much like a princess and worries all the animals on the Royal Savanna won’t take her seriously without it. But as each animal Paris meets faces a unique problem, she discovers that being a princess requires more than wearing a shiny crown.

This adventurous story

is paw-fect for ages 4 to 8 ,focuses on finding your purpose and being kind,is a creative conversation starter between parents and children about helping others, andis a perfect choice for a nursery display or a baby shower or birthday gift. Take your children on this adventurous African safari with Paris, Kobe, and Chunk (the whole Tebow Pack!) and show them that helping others is the greatest purpose of all.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D8VLBJ93

My Review

Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose is a fun children's book. The colorful and beautiful illustrations will make you smile as you visit the many animals of the Royal Savannah and follow Princess Paris's adventure.

There is a wonderful lesson taught through the reading of the story that will uplift children. The hardcover book is sturdy, and I was happy with the quality. It is one that adults and young children will enjoy reading.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Julie

Review of New Release- Amish Country Killer by Mary Alford

 

An unsolved mystery…

Seeking the truth could be fatal.

Reopening the investigation of her mother's disappearance puts chief of police Diana Fisher in someone’s lethal sights. As she delves deeper into the mystery, a murderer resurfaces, targeting the Amish community. Detective Micah Nissley, whose fiancée went missing a decade ago, joins forces with Diana to stop the threats and bring the killer to justice. But can they uncover the connection between Diana and the culprit before she becomes the next victim?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CWP4KT4Q

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today Bestselling Author, Mary Alford, loves giving her readers the un-expected, whether it be in a rugged mountain setting or a peaceful Amish community.

Her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestselling List, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling List, and have been finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Face-book and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.

My Review

Amish Country Killer is one of the most intense stories I've read lately. It's so good that it hardly gives you time to breathe between the chapters. Non-stop action that will leave you breathless, wondering what will happen next. The connections to the serial killer will tempt you to try to solve the secrets but will have you shaking your head.

Diana and Micah's characters had many layers, and the spiritual aspects of the story were woven seamlessly. I enjoyed turning the pages to watch everything unfold, and the ending wrapped everything up nicely but will surprise you. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Julie

Review of The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep by Hannah E. Harrison

 Book Trailer for The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep

Book Description:

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is a humorous and heartwarming picture book about God's unconditional love. This story beautifully captures the essence of Psalm 23, showing the importance of trusting God, our Good Shepherd, with our lives.

Meet George, a silly and sometimes stubborn sheep living happily under the care of a Good Shepherd. But when shearing time comes, George decides it’s time to make a run for it, and soon finds himself on a journey full of unexpected disappointment, discomfort, and danger. Ultimately, he finds rescue and learns why he really does need a shepherd.

The Bible is full of references to sheep and shepherds, but what does it mean to be a good shepherd? And how are we like sheep? The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep uses an unforgettable character and riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate the many comforting and loving attributes of God.

To Purchase

https://amzn.to/3WfIevz

Dear Readers:

This is a very cute story about a sheep named George who doesn't agree with the shepherd's way of caring for him. He runs away and finds himself in danger.

This children's book is well written and illustrated. It resembles the Biblical story of the lost sheep and the shepherd. The story teaches the reader about sheep and what goes into caring for them. The Biblical aspect of the story comes through beautifully and teaches about love and trust.

Children of all ages will feel the love in the story and that even though they make mistakes, they are still loved. As an adult, I even enjoyed reading it and glancing through all the colorful illustrations, which bring a smile to your face.

I received a copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
Julie

Assortment of Interior Photos

Review of When Skies Aren't Blue by Andy Laurie, M.D.

 

Description:

What do you do when the skies in your life turn dark?

There are many struggles in this difficult world that can darken our skies. It may be ongoing health issues, depression/anxiety, relationship struggles, financial calamity and so much more.

Andy Laurie, MD, had seemingly the perfect life. He had a successful medical practice. He was starting a second career as a pastor. He was young and healthy. He had a beautiful, loving wife and four small children. His life could not have been better. It was nothing but blue skies.

Then, the unthinkable hit. He was struck with a devastating illness. The skies of his once-wonderful life became dark, very dark.

Dr. Laurie has been battling illness for nearly two decades. He has now courageously shared his story with you. Relying on nearly thirty years of medical practice and over twenty years in the ministry, Dr. Laurie has written prescriptions for you to find hope, strength, contentment, joy, and even victory when the struggles of life have darkened your blue skies.

To Purchase

https://bit.ly/whenskiesarentblue

My Review

Andy Laurie writes a personal journey story of his debilitating disease. The story makes you think. How are we personally handling living a life that is unchangeable and with more pain than we can bear?

Andy provides step-by-step Biblical information to help us find God's light in the darkest times. These changes aren't easy, but they will make you look at those "dark skies" differently. There is a way to find hope, joy, and even victory in living each day.

When Skies Aren't Blue is a wonderful, inspiring book. I recommend re-reading it occasionally as a reminder that there is someone who can make a difference in your life—God! It may surprise you that HE has been with you the whole time.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Julie

About the Author

Dr. Andy Laurie is a board-certified radiologist who received his medical degree from UC San Diego. He did his post graduate residency at the University of Arizona. He practiced emergency radiology for nearly thirty years before illness caused him to recently retire. In addition, he has been a pastor at The Bridge Christian Church in Tucson, Arizona, for nearly twenty years. For much of this time, he has courageously battled a devastating disease of the autonomic nervous system. Dr. Laurie and his wife, Cyndi, were married in 1991 after he graduated from medical school. They have four grown children and make their home in Tucson with their beloved dogs.

https://www.facebook.com/DrAndyLaurie

Review of New Release- Waylaid by Jerusha Agen

Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.

Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead.

Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again.

Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late.

If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.

Waylaid is the first installment in the thrilling Windy City Westons series that features five siblings who encounter danger and love in Chicago. (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

https://www.WaylaidBook.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

MY REVIEW

Waylaid is an intense suspense story from the first few pages and gets deeper the more you get into the plot. The first chapter hooked me. From there, I couldn't put it down.

Spring Weston and Torin Cotter's main characters were both incredible. As the story unfolded, many layers emerged, some of which were surprises. Multiple cases that just happened to intertwine took me on quite the roller-coaster ride. I was often on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out what was happening next. The mystery of who the real villain was kept me guessing until almost at the end.

The author put together a very good plot with many twists and turns. The Christian aspect enriched the story and was exactly where it needed to be. It's a great start to a new series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

New Release- I Believe Gods Word Spiritual Warfare & Prayers by Crystal Mary Lindsey

 

BATTLING the UNSEEN — A Lifetime of Spiritual Experiences
For decades, I have witnessed firsthand the spiritual realm, both its light and its darkness.

As a Bible-believing Christian, extraordinary encounters, unseen by many, have shaped my faith and understanding of God’s power.

This book chronicles real-life experiences of spiritual warfare, beginning in 1953, and my personal responses as I relied on God’s Word, our greatest weapon, against unseen forces. From Demonic attacks to divine victories, each account reveals how scripture became my sword, bringing protection and triumph in the face of evil.

Though I have also been blessed with angelic visits, this collection focuses mainly on encounters with darkness, to equip, encourage, and enlighten those who may face similar battles.

I hope that through these testimonies, others will gain insight, faith, and confidence in God’s authority over all things seen and unseen.

To Purchase on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Crystal Mary Lindsey is a retired healthcare professional, widow of Raymond, a Vietnam Veteran and past U.S. Marine. She is also a mother, and devoted grandmother.

She discovered her passion for writing following her retirement from the demanding world of hospitals.

Her hobbies include art, reading, gardening, and research, plus touching lives for Jesus whenever possible.

Her profound appreciation for the transformative power of reading ignited the spark that led her to embark on a writing journey. She has an unwavering goal to encourage and inspire her readers to a more contented state of mind.

As a spiritual Christian, Crystal has been touched by many unexplainable human experiences, which occasionally find their way into her stories. These add depth and intrigue to her narratives and create a unique and compelling blend of spirituality to her storytelling.

Crystal lived and worked in Tennessee with her husband, first as a counselor and after completing medical Boards, as a specialist R.N. In 2007, Raymond decided they would move back to Crystal's home in Queensland, Australia. She has remained there since Raymond's accidental death in 2022.

Credentials: BN (Aus), BSN (USA), MHN, Dip Counselling/Psychology. Cert Theology.

AWARD WINNING AUTHOR (Editor's Choice and Readers Favorite Award x2).

#Christian Fiction, #Inspirational Romance, #Clean Romance, #Clean and Wholesome, #Historical Romance, #Contemporary Romance, #Time Travel Romance, #Medical Romance, #Doctor Romance.

Link to Amazon Author Page

I have downloaded and am in the process of reading this new release. I have read several of Crystal's books, and they never disappoint. They always have a strong faith element in them, and I have enjoyed everyone I have read. 

Update: MY REVIEW

This book was a reminder, even though I could relate to some instances. If you are a Christian, the stronger your Faith, the more you could experience spiritual warfare, and you need to be prepared. The author discusses using the Bible scriptures to end conflict and create protection. She shares her experiences with warfare and how she handled each one. As you can see from her recollections, spiritual warfare can come in different ways.

This book should be kept as a reference, and your Bible should be read daily. You will not know before the warfare takes place. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in your walk with God. Be vigilant and well-prepared.

Help awareness. Gift a copy of this book to someone you love.